How to Get Here

Most of the international carriers fly into San Jose Int'l Airport from all major cities of U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America where you can make a connection to the Puerto Jimenez airstrip in the Osa Peninsula. From San Jose flying time is less than 1 hour, unless stopping en route. Depending on the airlines’ schedules, you may land in order to drop-off or pick-up other passengers in Quepos, Palmar Sur, Drake’s Bay or Golfito.

There are two local airlines offering domestic service to Puerto Jimenez from San Jose: Nature Air and Sansa. They are both operating flights from the Juan Santamaria Main Airport, which is the primary airport serving San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. The airport is located near the city of Alajuela, 20 km west of downtown San Jose. Coordinates: 09°59′38″N084°12′32″W

Nature Air permits between 15 lbs. and 40 lbs. of checked baggage per person, determined by the fare class purchased. For passengers exceeding their baggage allowance, please allow extra time at the airport to pay the excess. Sporting equipment, such as surfboards, are subject to space availability and charged an extra fee of $30 per flight. If the luggage is not accepted on the same flight as the passenger, Nature Air assumes the responsibility of sending luggage on the next available flight, and the passenger is responsible for arranging pick-up from the airport. In case regular luggage is denied boarding to meet operational weight or safety requirements, Nature Air assumes the responsibility of sending it to the passenger’s final destination (the address provided by the passenger).

Sansa permits 1 piece with maximum weight of 30 lbs./14 kgs and up to 45 linear inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width). Excess baggage will be charged at $1.00 per pound and will be considered standby bags. Surfboards are not part of your free baggage allowance and they are considered standby bags. The charge is $30 per surfboard each way.

Driving: Starting from San José, take the San José-Caldera highway, and head towards Orotina. After approximately 40 minutes you will pass next to the town of Orotina, and approximately 6 kilometers after you will come to the Pozón-Caldera tollbooth. Immediately after the toll booth take the first exit right on to the newly paved Costanera Sur and head south through Jacó, Quepos, and then Dominical. After Dominical continue heading south towards Chacarita, on the way you will pass Palmar Norte, 30km past Palmar Norte, you will find Chacarita's Gas Station at your right. Turn right here, you will see a sign that shows the distance to Puerto Jiménez (77 km/48 miles).

By Shuttle: Our friends at ShuttleOsa can pick you up in San Jose and bring you down to the Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jimenez for $57 USD per person. Shuttle Osa is associated with the National Chamber of Tourism (through Transtobella SA) and the Chamber of Tourism Osa.

By Bus: San Jose to Puerto Jimenez (8-9 hours). In San Jose go to the Bus Station of Transportes Blanco located at the San Carlos terminal, downtown San Jose, The bus fee is ₡8,000 colones/$15 USD. The Bus leaves at 8:00 am and 12:00 noon from San José. Pura Vida!

Bus & Boat: A third option, San Jose to Golfito (7-8 hours). In San Jose take a taxi to the Tracopa bus station, downtown San Jose. The bus fare is ₡7,500 colones/$14 USD. You must take the 7:00 am bus, arriving in Golfito around 2:00 pm, getting off at the ferry boat dock (lancha). The ferry boat (30 minutes) departure for Puerto Jimenez is at 2:30 and 3:15 pm (₡3,000/$6 USD).